The key to a car running at its best is basic maintenance. Our friends at O’Reilly Auto Parts know how to prevent the potential troubles ahead.
Be sure to check the following:
Battery – One in every four cars on the road today need to replace their batteries. Before your car leaves you stranded, stop by O’Reilly Auto Parts and let them test your battery for free. If it needs to be replaced, they’ll help you find the right battery for your vehicle.
Tire Pressure – Weather can reduce tire pressure, make sure the tires are properly inflated. Looks can be deceiving. Even when tires appear to be properly inflated, they could be low on air. Low tire pressure could lead to poor fuel economy so your wallet could still be affected. It is also easy for tires to lose air pressure – as easy as running over a pothole. The weather outside has a big effect on your tire pressure. Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of air pressure for every 10 degrees the temperature drops outside. Therefore, it is best to check your tire pressure regularly because you never know when it might be low.
Belts and Hoses – Inspect and replace worn or cracked belts and hoses.
Brakes – Inspect for wear and tear. Brakes are one of the most important components of your car. If they are worn down or not working properly, your vehicle becomes unsafe for you and your passengers. So, if you hear a squealing or grinding noise when you brake, check your brakes as soon as possible.
Suspension and Wheel Alignment – Inspect for wear or leaks. The steering and suspension systems are key safety-related systems that largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Over time, steering and suspension components wear out and require replacement. Regular checks are critical to maintain a safe car. Symptoms include: car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, excessive noise, vibration or bouncing, and loss of control. Regular checks are critical to maintaining a safe ride for you and your family.
Fluid Levels – Check all fluids including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze/coolant, and windshield washer fluid. It’s a common misconception that motor oil is the only fluid in the car that needs to be checked and changed. While it’s true that motor oil is one of the more critical fluids in your vehicle, there are many other fluids that should be checked and/or topped off. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid should all be checked and serviced as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Doing this helps to avoid leaks and keeps your vehicle operating properly.
Windshield Wipers – Check for wear and replace them if necessary. Windshield wipers degrade over time. They chatter, they tear, and, as a result, leave a streaky wipe behind. Rain, snow, and other precipitation can severely cut down on your ability to see the road and other vehicles clearly so changing your wipers when they wear out is very important.
Clean interior – Everyone likes to have a clean vehicle, on the inside and out. And, no one wants to clean the car when it’s cold. Now that the weather is getting warmer, don’t forget to clean the inside of your vehicle. Stop by your local O’Reilly Auto Parts to pick up all your cleaning supplies. From cleaning wipes to floor mats, they have everything you need.
Clean the exterior – The outside of your vehicle took a beating this winter…from ice, snow, sand, and salt. Now’s the perfect time to protect it from the sun. Don’t forget the underside and remove all sand and salt that may be left from the cold weather.
For more on O’Reilly Auto Parts and to find a store near you, visit their official website.
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